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Debra Torrence, who served as the executive director of the Beaufort County Arts Council for five years, has returned as the organization’s acting and fund development director. Torrence and her husband moved to the mountains in 2021, and just recently returned to be closer to family. “Kelly Shanafelt had ended her tenure as executive director right about the same time we returned,” said Torrence. “I asked them if they needed any help and if so I would love to volunteer. And here we are. I love this place, I have a passion for it, and I love to ask people for money. During my five years here, I was able to raise over $5 million for this building and operations.”

Torrence said a search committee has already begun the search for a new executive director, with the primary goal of determining what the best fit for the organization is, as there has been a pattern of turnover for the past few years. “What has happened in the past is that directors have come in and tried to put their thumbprints on the place, instead of looking at what had worked and using it as a template,” said Torrence. “Instead, there were efforts to change that. Things need to be consistent and need to flow, and there doesn’t need to be a lot of change. Focus on what is working, learn from it and grow. That certainly is what I did when I was here.”

Torrence added, “People come in with different skills and passions,” said Torrence. “So it’s not about one person but a team. A couple of directors came in with a different trajectory thinking they were at the top, and everyone would do what they wanted. It is not a hierarchy here as that approach won’t work. It’s like a puzzle and working together to make things work.”

Torrence emphasized this is not a job for just anyone. “If people were to spend some time in this environment, they would understand why people don’t stay for a long time, because it is a very hard job,” said Torrence. “That individual will oversee productions, programs, ticket and merchandise sales, in addition to a staff of employees, a very active board, and a group of volunteers. And you also know coming here that you will be schlepping tables, mopping the floors, and cleaning the bathroom from time to time. It is a hard job.”

The timeframe for hiring a new executive director is six to eight months. The plan is for Torrence to work with that individual for a year, helping and training them and getting them connected with folks in the community.

As a result of the recent turnovers, there have also been concerns raised around the community about the financial footing of the Turnage Theatre and whether it will remain open. “From the very beginning I have heard the same question, ‘is it going to close,'”said Torrence. “There is a forever fundraising need as this is a 112-year-old building. Our annual operating costs are around $500,000. Money comes in and goes back out to artists, utilities, and other operating costs. As a nonprofit we don’t keep anything, so it is constant work on that front.”

Torrence said a little money comes in from the state as well as the city and the county, but the majority of the money has to be raised. “So when I hear the question of whether it is going to close, I tell people they have to help support it,” said Torrance. “Come to the events, become a member, donate, sponsor events, or volunteer. In my mind, this is the people’s theatre project and it is never going to end. Everyone who walks through these doors needs to know about its history, to love it, understand it, that it is a rare gem, and there is always the potential of losing it. It is always going to be month to month as you never know what is going to break, but I just went to the bank, and we are in good shape. We are rocking and got it going on!”

Torrence has hit the ground running as she begins to address the coming year and the needs of the facility, which includes a new marquee, which will cost $25,000, a $75,000 fire suppression system, and a new HVAC system at $55,000. But none of this deters from her love and excitement for the Turnage. “Arts Live 2025 is our membership and capital campaign drive where we hope to raise $300,000 through memberships, sponsorships, donations, and grants,” said Torrence. “This will also include the sale of seat plaques and engraved bricks out front. We will be looking for sponsorships for our host of spring break and summer youth camps. We also want to increase the number of general and artist memberships. We will also hope to obtain some state and federal funding to assist with the restoration of the vaudeville theatre. Everything around here is for sale, except for the building of course,” she said with a smile.

In addition to the full slate of spring break and summer youth camps, plans have already begun for a host of other community activities, including more outdoor art outreach to include music and festivals.  “We are continuing our free and low-cost community-centric events to inspire and engage the community,” said Bronté Labbé, the visual arts and marketing director with the Beaufort County Arts Council. “We have already started a Tuesday painters group, where local artists can hang out together. Felting classes and several others in the works.. And we will once again be doing the Cinema Pass as we bring back historic cinema to the area. We want people to know we are a movie theatre as well. Some of those movies will include special events associated with them. We have a lot of plans for the coming year.”

“I can’t thank the staff and volunteers enough who are busting their butts to keep this place open,” added Torrence.